[1] Gastfield got his start in baseball playing for the West End team in the Chicago City League.
He then went with pitcher Charlie Getzien to play for the ball club at Grand Rapids, Michigan.
[1] He was released by Detroit at the end of May 1885, and The Sporting Life reported at the time that he did "acceptable work" as catcher, but was "very weak" as a batter.
[1] In late July 1885, The Sporting Life reported that Chicago manager Cap Anson "hasn't much confidence in Gastfield's ability.
He is considered quite an acquisition to the club, especially as he is very popular and possesses considerable drawing power both at home and abroad.